Xena and
Gabrielle, drawn on by the smoke and screams, have pitched in to help.
Xena stands with a stable hand helping to get the panicked horses from
their burning quarters, while across town, Gabrielle stands atop the roof
of the village inn, wetting it down to prevent the fire’s spread.

From her
position on the roof, Gabrielle can see a young woman running back and
forth, pulling at her hair and screaming. She can’t make out the words,
but she knows the woman is in trouble.

GABRIELLE

Hold this!

Handing off her water pail to a middle aged man, she makes for the ladder
and quickly slides down. Running to the woman, Gabrielle gently grabs her
elbow and spins her to face her.

GABRIELLE

(cont’d)

What is it?
What’s wrong?

WOMAN

My baby! Oh,
please…

my baby!!

CUT TO:

INT. BURNING HOUSE - NIGHT

The fire is
still blazing all around them despite the great amounts of water being
thrown at it.

GABRIELLE

What now?

Xena looks up
at where the roof had been just moments before. She gifts Gabrielle with
a wicked grin.